-LRB- CNN -RRB- It really is n't fair that just a million people call New Zealand 's South Island home .

Why should so few people get to hog such spectacular landscape ? -LRB- Compared to , say , similarly sized England 's population of 52 million . -RRB-

The larger of the country 's two main islands is more visually stunning than the North Island .

With its smaller population , it 's also more lonely and wild .

To get a handle of the island 's most sublime landscapes , we asked Auckland-based award-winning photographer Mike Hollman to share his favorite spots to photograph .

Named New Zealand Travel Photographer of the Year in 2013 by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography , Hollman grew up on the South Island and says the landscape has had a tremendous impact on his work .

`` The light is always changing and offering different views , '' says Hollman .

`` My favorite time to shoot is in autumn , especially April -LRB- New Zealand 's fall is from March to May -RRB- when the trees turn golden and the light on the landscape is magical . ''

1 . Milford Sound

With an annual rainfall of 6.8 meters , Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand .

All that rain makes for spectacular waterfalls , with hundreds cascading into the fjord on a wet day .

Located within Fiordland National Park , Milford Sound is a 295-kilometer road trip from Queenstown , through vast landscapes of mountains and rainforest .

Numerous scenic flight options are available from Queenstown .

2 . Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

The 45-kilometer road between Glenorchy and Queenstown may be the most scenic in New Zealand .

Magnificent views greet every turn as the road winds its way along the edge of Lake Wakatipu .

`` The light is constantly changing and there are always opportunities for great photographs , '' says Hollman .

He recommends the view from Bennets Bluff Lookout , 25 kilometers from Queenstown .

3 . Matai Falls , The Catlins

Located on the southeast corner of the South Island , The Catlins is home to beautiful waterfalls such as Matai Falls .

There 's a lot to explore in the area .

Landscapes range from rolling farmland to sweeping coasts to temperate rainforests .

It 's a 30-minute forest walk to reach Matai Falls , with parking available at the Matai Falls car park on the Southern Scenic Route , 18 kilometers south of Owaka .

4 . St. Clair Beach , Dunedin

St. Clair Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches that sweep along the eastern suburbs of Dunedin .

Located 15 minutes from central Dunedin , it 's a popular surfing spot and home to cafes , bars and an outdoor heated saltwater swimming pool .

`` The old wooden poles at the end of the beach have always been one of my favorite places to photograph , '' says Hollman .

5 . Moeraki Boulders

These large , strange-looking spherical concretions eroded from the shoreline are some of nature 's oddest sights .

Some of the largest boulders measure more than two meters in diameter .

Maori legend claims the boulders are remains of food washed ashore from the wreck of a large sailing canoe .

`` Best viewed at low tide , these beautiful boulders always make for interesting photographs , '' says Hollman .

The boulders are located on Koekohe Beach on State Highway One , 75 kilometers north of Dunedin or 40 kilometers south of Oamaru .

6 . Church of the Good Shepherd , Tekapo

Located in Mackenzie Country in central South Island , Tekapo is renowned for its stunning clear skies and was declared an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 .

`` This is a great location for astro-photography , which attracts tourists from the world over , '' says Hollman .

`` The Church makes for a nice subject , with the Milky Way and a shooting star in the background . ''

Tekapo is located on State Highway 8 , midway between Christchurch and Queenstown .

7 . Lupins on Lake Tekapo

Each summer the lupins around Lake Tekapoturn turn startling colors , attracting visitors and photographers in droves .

Found along the shores of Lake Tekapo and surrounding countryside , the flowers are usually at their best during the first two weeks of December .

Lake Tekapo is on State Highway 8 between Christchurch and Queenstown .

8 . Aoraki/Mount Cook

New Zealand 's highest mountain -LRB- 3,754 meters -RRB- is known as Aoraki by Maori ; it received its European name , Mount Cook , in 1851 .

Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park , it features a number of walks and activities for all levels of fitness .

`` The mountain is spectacular to photograph and is always different each visit , '' says Hollman .

Accommodations at Aoraki/Mount Cook village range from backpacker-friendly to luxury .

The village is 334 kilometers from Christchurch , and 258 kilometers from Queenstown .

9 . Icebergs on Tasman Lake

Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park , Tasman Glacier on Tasman Lake is New Zealand 's longest glacier at 27 kilometers .

The towering sights can be viewed from the shoreline or you can book a boat trip with Glacier Explorers from September to May for closer views .

10 . Lake Matheson

At the heart of Glacier Country and Westland National Park , Lake Matheson is an achingly pretty sight .

Formed by glaciation 14,000 years ago , it 's surrounded by an ancient native forest .

The lake mirrors two of New Zealand 's highest peaks -- Mount Cook and Mount Tasman .

11 . Franz Josef Glacier

A main attraction on the South Island 's west coast , this 12-kilometer-long glacier descends from high peaks through temperate rainforest to just about 300 meters above sea level .

Activities can be booked from the township of Franz Josef , located five kilometers away .

12 . Southern Alps

Running 450 kilometers from north to south , the Southern Alps form a natural range along the entire length of New Zealand 's South Island .

At 3,724 meters , Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest point .

`` A scenic flight is a fantastic way to see these mountains closeup , '' says Hollman .

`` There are many options and they operate out of all of the local tourist areas . For the best light , try for an early morning or evening flight . ''

13 . Waimakariri River

The Waimakariri River flows from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean .

One of the loveliest areas of the river is near Arthur 's Pass .

`` The braided river banks and mountain light make for some great landscape photography , '' says Hollman .

He recommends views of the river from State Highway 73 , between Arthur 's Pass and Christchurch .

Mike Hollman is an award winning photographer based in Auckland , New Zealand . A Fellow and Master of Photography with The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography , he was named New Zealand Travel Photographer of the Year in 2013 .

His work has been featured in National Geographic 's travel photo competitions , published in books and magazines and can be viewed at http://www.mikehollman.com and www.facebook.com/mikehollman.photograph .

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New Zealand 's South Island has fewer people and more scenic views than North Island

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NZ travel photographer Mike Hollman lists his favorite places to photograph

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List includes best road trip , glaciers , icebergs and alien boulders